The 8 best British Christmas markets

Cardiff Christmas Market has been running for over three decades, and it’s a truly magical festive fair. There are 70 wooden stalls swathed in icy blue fairy lights, showcasing more than 200 business products – with a strong focus on arts and crafts and original handmade products, and an emphasis on supporting local businesses.

If you’re looking to buy gifts and stocking stuffers, you can’t go wrong. On Hills Street, Trinity Street, St John Street and Working Street (which are all in the city centre), you can browse all kinds of textiles, glassware, jewellery, scented candles, wooden sculptures, unique toys, bath salts, leather bags…and much more!

There’s plenty of festive food to try while you’re here – and whether you’re looking to buy a sweet treat as a Christmas gift or just want to sample the delights of the day, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You can sip fruit wines and flavored rums, treat yourself to brownies and cupcakes, taste handmade Welsh cheese, enjoy hot baked beans and try countless dips and pickles.

If you like ice skating, you might want to visit the ice rink at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland, located in the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle. Visitors can also take a magical ice walk along a created path.

Plus, at Wonderland’s second location, City Hall Lawn, you can enjoy a family funfair, ice bar, ski lodge bar, and much more lively food and drink.

This year, Cardiff Christmas Market is open until 23 December.